Monster FLUFF!!!! Free tutorial and pattern template!

I recently had the pleasure to work with the creative folks over at ButtonLovers.com. We collaborated on a few fun, button embellished projects, and this is one of them I wanted to be sure you didn't miss! 

Meet Fin & Polly, my Monster Fluff Friends! 

Download the FREE PDF Pattern Templates for both here.

Find the step-by-step, photo tutorial here.

While I welcome you to use this pattern/tutorial to sew for the children in your lives, if you do, I also ask that you please find a way to Give Back using it. One great option is to support children in foster care, just as our FLUFF Project does on-going. 

Thanks and enjoy! Can't wait to see your creations!

Product Review - Better Bobbin Thread Winder

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Better Bobbin Thread Winder. 

It's a handy little gadget used to refill your bobbin without having to unthread your sewing machine. Let's take a closer look....

 When your bobbin is ready to be refilled, you simply remove it from your machine. With the presser foot of your machine raised, and leaving your machine threaded, following the step-by-step number guide on the top of the winder, slip your thread end through step 1, around step 2 and then through the hole in your bobbin just as you normally would to refill it. Place your bobbin on the winder at step 3. Then flip the "off" lever against the empty bobbin and press the black button to start the winder. 

It's FAST!!!!!! I was surprised at how fast. 

In a matter of seconds, you will have a full bobbin ready to sew again and don't have to bother with re-threading your machine! I love that! :) When your bobbin is full, you simply pull the small blue lever back to the "off" position and cut your thread. 

This compact little muscle of a machine also includes a thread cutter that you can see on the top, and the lid includes a stand for a large spool of thread as you can see in the first photo, so your bobbin can be filled separately from your machine as well if you choose. 

 Quick Overview:

PROS: Very fast and easy to use. 

Saves time from having to re-thread your machine.

Compact for storage.
Long cord.

CONS: Doesn't shut off automatically when bobbin is full.

Doesn't seem to consistently get as even and tight of a wind on the bobbin as my machine does. 

There you have it, the Better Bobbin Thread Winder. 

All in all, a fun, little gadget that I have enjoyed using for sure!

*Disclosure - I received this product free of charge to try and share my opinion. No other compensation was received. Opinions shared are my own.

Holiday Fundraiser to support Hopeful Threads/FLUFF Project!

My friends at Quantum Jewelry have offered me a very special opportunity to use their beautiful, SnowWonders® Snowflakes Christmas Ornaments for a fundraiser for Hopeful Threads! 

They believe strongly in giving back, and have very tender hearts for children in need, and so they would like to show their support for the ongoing outreach efforts of Hopeful Threads and the FLUFF Project by offering these beautifully crafted keepsakes to you and your families. From now through December 1, 2013, you can purchase any of their SnowWonders® Snowflakes Ornaments, and know that you are also helping Hopeful Threads! For each $15 ornament ordered through me, Hopeful Threads will receive $10 to put towards the FLUFF Project! This is a HUGE blessing, especially as we go into the holidays and would like to make sure plenty of stuffed friends are on hand for the kiddos! 

***UPDATE!!!*** Just received this message from my friend Tammy at Quantum Jewelry regarding our Ornament Fundraiser posted about this morning... "Kristy, I just got word from an anonymous donor that they will match 5.00 to each ornament ordered. THAT means you keep the full 15.00 for each ornament sold!!!!!! Great news for a MONDAY! Loving it!" 

I don't know what to say! THANK YOU!!!! Both the Quantum Jewelry family and this generous anonymous donor!!! 

SPORTS. CAREER. HOBBY. SEASONAL. 

Here's a glimpse at some of the intricately detailed and personally themed ornaments available...

 And my personal favorite with thimbles, needles and scissors, perfect for the Seamstress!

These beautiful ornaments are a unique & personal gift for all those on your holiday shopping list!

To order, you can check out the individual options in the "Ornament Fundraiser Album" on the Hopeful Threads facebook page or see the complete selection at SnowWonders.com . Then, email me with the name(s) of the ornament(s) you'd like to order. I will invoice you and then forward your paid order on to Quantum for delivery. (orders must come through me for Hopeful Threads to receive our portion)
Further details in the "Ornament Fundraiser Album".

Order yours and support the FLUFF Project to provide stuffed friends for children in foster care!

EMAIL ME with any questions at all!
And THANK YOU for allowing your holiday shopping to help Hopeful Threads!
 

HATS OFF!!!

I finished my first hat last night and OH MY!!!! This might just get addicting! 

These soft, little head-toppers are so much fun to make and really go together quickly!

I've used this tutorial from On Hand By Hand, with these modifications for "bear ears" from Monkey See, Monkey Do. Mine are made with fleece outer and a printed flannel lining. 

We will be sewing HATS all month long for our October Project, hope you'll join us!

Find out all the details here. 

October 2013 - Monthly Project Announcement

For our October 2013 Project, we are teaming up with Dona from Sewing Miles of Smiles to sew and donate as many hats as we can for the patients she regularly cares for in her community!

Dona is one of those people that is always looking for how she can GIVE MORE and I'm honored to get to work with her on this special project!

I've created an album on Pinterest with a variety of hat tutorials and inspiration called "Head Gear", you can find it here. Any sizes from preemie to adult welcome, and sewn, crochet or knit, in any material also welcome. Run with it! And know that you are helping care for someone who may be experiencing a challenging time in their lives right now. 

When you have your hats ready to ship, simply email me for the mailing address. 

I'm looking forward to sewing with you this month and seeing your cozy creations! 

If you'd like to share what you've made for this project, I've created an October Project Album here where you can add your pictures. 

Love to have you grab the project badge and help us spread the word!

September 2013 FINALE & WINNERS!

A huge THANK YOU to all that have sewn along, spread the word and shown your support for the outreach of Create H.O.P.E. Designs! I hope you will continue to check back and think of them for purchasing PDF patterns ongoing. 

Ok....now, the moment we've all been waiting for....THE WINNERS!!!!!

The numbers have been selected using the Random.org True Random Number Generator.

#9 MadameUgly WINS...Aivilo Charlotte Designs - Winner's choice of 3 PDF patterns! 

#30 Jill D 123 WINS...Cute Quilt Patterns - Posy Patch Quilt Kit (includes pattern & fabrics to make this gorgeous quilt!) 

#41 Jodie Tawn WINS...Fishsticks Designs - Winner's choice of 4 PDF patterns!

#29 Melissa Dunworth WINS...Hopeful Threads - A+ Portfolio Kit (includes pattern & fabrics to make this fun project!)

#42 Bright Angel Baby WINS...Lilybird Studio - Winner's choice of 3 PDF patterns!

#2 Pattern Revolution WINS...The Mean Princess - MASTER Pattern Bundle! (includes each PDF pattern currently available in her collection!)

#43 Allison Parrish WINS...My Funny Buddy - 5 PDF Pattern Bundle, winner's choice of designs!

#4 Pam WINS & #47 friedturtle WINS...Seamingly Smitten - TWO 3 PDF Pattern Bundles!
#26 Piecestolove WINS...Petite Kids Boutique - 2 PDF Pattern Bundle!

#22 Sewing Miles of Smiles 2013 WINS...Izzy & Ivy Designs - GRAND PRIZE BUNDLE! Garden Party Skirts Pattern Book, Monster Mash Pattern Book, Brooklyn's Boho Beachwear Pattern Book +AND+ $100 Gift Card to Fat Quarter Shop!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!
If your name is on this list, please EMAIL ME with either your preferred email address for your PDF patterns or shipping address for kit prizes.
Thanks again to all who helped make this month a success in so many way!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's announcement and October's Project announcement!

Let's Talk Textiles - Flannels & Fleece...you're perfect winter fabrics!

It's time to talk textiles again with our friend Kim from Fabric Outlet!

  

With winter months approaching we start thinking about warmer and cozier things to make, especially as Christmas gifts.  So I thought you might like to read a bit about flannels and fleece to help you shop for those fabrics with confidence! 

   There are several different grades of flannel, from the thick and thirsty to the almost thread barren see through look.  Remember to look for a name brand, you won't be disappointed that it costs a little more.  Ask the sales clerk if it is a "quilting flannel", those are the best grade and they won't pill up after one or two washes! And always wash flannel before you start your project because it has a much higher percent of shrinkage than other types of cottons. 

 

  There are several different kinds of fleece too! Regular polyester fleece will look the same on both sides, you won't see any weft. There is no need to wash it as shrinkage is minimal.   Micro fleece, Sweatshirt fleece, Minky fleece and especially Cuddle fleece are so soft and yummy but not recommended for tie blankets because they will shred when you cut your strips. I have seen many people who bring in something they bought from elsewhere without knowing the difference and had a mess on their hands. Be sure to buy Anti-Pill fleece, all fleece will pill eventually but Anti-Pill will last much longer without looking any different wash after wash. 

   I will be posting lots of flannels for this coming Friday Sale on my page!  Have fun creating!

Fabric Outlet has an amazing selection of FLEECES & FLANNELS in-stock and at outstanding prices!

Find Fabric Outlet on facebook here, where she lists all her newest arrivals, sales and specials!

Search "Let's Talk Textiles" in the sidebar for other great educational posts.